10 REASONS TO SAIL THE SVALBARD EXPRESS
Experience Arctic treasures, fresh Norwegian cuisine and breathtaking scenery bathed in 24-hour sunlight
WHEN you sail the Svalbard Express, you’re following in the wake of Hurtigruten ships that have been plying Norway’s dramatic coast for 130 years, joining an exclusive group of travellers who have sailed a piece of history.
The scenery is enchanting, the stories fascinating and the experiences unforgettable as you join locals to discover some of Norway’s most remote communities and otherworldly landscapes.
And with savings of up to £1,200* per person available on summer sailings if you book by 31 March, now is the time to plan your adventure.
Here are 10 reasons to set sail with Hurtigruten.
1YOU’LL REACH THE LAST TOWN BEFORE THE NORTH POLE
Your journey will take you all the way to the edge of the world and the stunning Svalbard archipelago. Here the Arctic desert air is fresh, the scenery is breathtaking and the world’s northernmost settlement, Longyearbyen, sits on the banks of a vast fjord.
2 SUNBATHE AT MIDNIGHT
Between May and July, northern Norway enjoys 76 days of midnight sun, so your ship and the icy landscapes above the Arctic Circle will be bathed in constant sunlight. Relax on deck and watch as the sun nears the horizon and the scenery glows golden, then almost imperceptibly, you’ll begin to see it rise once again.
3 KAYAK THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
This archipelago is a kaleidoscope of white-sand beaches, emerald mountains, blue waters and villages of red-roofed houses. One of the best ways to take it all in is by kayak, with the lapping water and the soft splash of the paddle as your soundtrack. Or why not join a 1917 fishing boat to catch haddock, cod and mackerel the traditional way?
4LOOK OUT FOR POLAR BEARS
The king of the ice can only be found within the Arctic Circle. There are estimated to be 3,500 polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago with the population steadily growing on the main island of Spitsbergen, so you could be lucky enough to see one of these beautiful creatures.
5SAIL IN STYLE
Backed by 130 years of experience plying these crisp waters, Hurtigruten has designed flagship MS Trollfjord in timeless style. Freshly refurbished, this small ship features locally sourced wood and stone décor with nostalgic detailing. With its relaxed ambience, sundeck, observation lounge and bar, it provides the perfect environment for sharing stories with like-minded travellers.
6THE COASTAL KITCHEN
Food doesn’t get more local than buying it in port directly from the producers. At Hurtigruten, it’s known as Norway’s Coastal Kitchen – a collection of creamy cheeses and melt-in-the-mouth fish, freshly picked berries, edible flowers and microbrewed beers crafted into incredible culinary experiences by the chefs.
7SECRETS OF NORDIC CUISINE
If you’re inspired by the delicious produce, join the chefs for a food workshop or tasting experience to discover more about the producers and traditions behind each ingredient. Learn new skills and pick up tips on dining more sustainably as you glide towards your next destination.
8 THE SUITE LIFE
Upgrade your journey by booking a spacious suite aboard MS Trollfjord. You’ll enjoy a lovely retreat as well as other little extras like included dining at à la carte restaurant Rost, unlimited selected drinks and a complimentary after-dinner cocktail, as well as fast-track priority check-in. Book by 31 March for sailings this summer and you can save up to £1,200 per person.
9 AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE
The Coastal Experience Team love to share stories of the Norwegian coast with you. They’ll explain the culture, history and geography of the places you visit and help you choose excursions. And from handicrafts to photography workshops, they also host a range of onboard activities.
10 VOYAGES THAT GIVE BACK
Steeped in the history of this incredible coastline, Hurtigruten is committed to protecting it for future generations. As well as working with local suppliers and communities, it also focuses on sustainability. This year sees the completion of green ship upgrades across the fleets, reducing CO2 emissions by 25 per cent and NOx by 80 per cent, with the aim of all ships being zero-emissions by 2030.